The Serve

Australia back in business

Today’s Twenty20 match was all about whether Australia would qualify for the next stage.

By the time the Aussies had turned the screws, the question was whether England would make it.

Australia proved Wednesday’s shock loss to Zimbabwe was an aberration, with a dominating eight wicket win over the English at Johannesburg, with 31 balls to spare.

Winning the toss and batting, England made a steady, if not leisurely start, as the pace of Lee and Clark would prove difficult to deal with. Three quick wickets fell in 16 balls, leaving England 3/48 in the eighth.

Paul Collingwood’s stay was brief but energetic. The skipper hit Lee for six off a free hit, before being toppled next ball by a full toss, LBW for 18.

The partnership of Kevin Pietersen and Andy Flintoff was always going to be telling. Pietersen had spoken broadly about rubbing Australia’s nose in the dirt before the game, however he had his leg stump removed by Nathan Bracken for 21(20), swinging the match in favour of the Aussies.

Flintoff’s cameo ended at 31, caught off Johnson. England lost its remaining five wickets for eight runs, handing Australia the meek target of 136.

Bracken took 3/16 off his four overs, Johnson 3/22 off his allotment.

“Really happy with that. The energy was there for us,” said Johnson.

The chase was a non-event of the Australians professionally wound down their target. The Aussies could have attempted to win within 9.3 overs, thus eliminating England on run-rate, but there would be no risks as Australia were content on simply taking victory.

Adam Gilchrist made 45(28), Ponting 20(18), while Hayden slogged 67 not out off 43.

“I think we’re a fair bit happier than we were a couple of days ago,” Ponting said.

“Once again we bowled very well. (This time) we took out chances with the bat.”

The result means Zimbabwe are cruelly knocked out, just two days after beating Australia.